Our son has asked for a Whoop fitness tracker band for his upcoming 12th birthday. I’m unfamiliar with the Whoop brand, but it looks like you need a paid subscription to use the features.

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 looks like a decent alternative. I’ve got some Garmin products (Instinct watch & handheld gps) with their app platforms As far as I can tell, you can use the products without a subscription.

Does the Whoop fitness tracker offer any significant features over the Garmin Vivosmart?

Bonus question: Any idea if the Garmin Connect app allows for multiple users, like a family setup, or would I need to do a separate standalone account?

Thanks for any info…Also welcome any other gift suggestions for preteen kids.

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Posted by Finchboyz

Choclate city

Member since May 2018

571 posts

Posted on 1/19/25 at 8:55 pm to Wire Road 2

He may want the whoop as it doesn’t have a screen so he may not want the distraction of the screen.

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Posted by Mingo Was His NameO

Brooklyn

Member since Mar 2016

37536 posts

Posted on 1/19/25 at 9:11 pm to Wire Road 2

Based on a quick google search, the whoop is going to have a lot more features than the vivosmart and it is a pretty bare bones device.

Whoop is a good product, but it’s got the tech company vibe and I got kind of tired of their marketing and selling the accessories (some of which I needed, not wanted) as designer priced. A new band is like $50.

I opted for a Garmin Venu watch which I’ve been happy with.

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Posted by GeorgeTheGreek

Sparta, Greece

Member since Mar 2008

69174 posts

Posted on 1/20/25 at 12:04 am to Mingo Was His NameO

I also have a Garmin Venu and I’m very happy with it. Good suggestion Mingo.

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Posted by wryder1

Birmingham

Member since Feb 2008

4939 posts

Posted on 1/22/25 at 4:51 am to Mingo Was His NameO

Sorry to hijack this thread but can I use the Venu to take texts, calls and use apps like Spotify or podcast from my iPhone, without having to carry my iPhone? I like the features of the garmin over the Apple Watch so I’d rather get that, but so far that’s what is holding me back. Thanks

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Posted by way_south

Member since Jul 2017

949 posts

Posted on 1/22/25 at 7:43 am to Wire Road 2

All I can think of here is that he's 12 and wants a Whoop. Probably because his buddies all have Whoops. I know you're researching to get the best bang for the buck, but at 12 is he just trying to be like his buddies and fit in, or does he want a real fitness watch to do all the other stuff?

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Posted by Wire Road 2

Member since Jul 2022

177 posts

Posted on 1/22/25 at 2:27 pm to way_south

That’s probably a valid point…If the thing worked as a standalone device and without a subscription, I probably wouldn’t be as hesitant.

From what I could tell, it looks like you have to use a tablet or phone to view the data. We’re trying to be mindful about introducing stuff that involves more screen time. Between school and other activities, it seems like everything comes with some kind of screen time requirement.

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